Volume :
4
Issue :
1
Abstract :
The objective of the present study is to make a comparative evaluation of the drug release retarding efficiency of olibanum gum, a natural polymer in comparison to known polymers namely hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose (HPMCK15M), sodium alginate, and guar gum. Matrix tablets of Venlafaxine Hcl (37.5 mg) were prepared employing olibanum gum and the other polymers at a drug: polymer concentration of 1:4 and the tablets were evaluated. Venlafaxine Hcl release from all the matrix tablets formulated with olibanum gum and various other polymers and release was slow and spread over 12 - 24 hours. Non – fickian diffusion was the release mechanism from all the matrix tablets prepared. The order of increasing release retarding effect with various polymers was guar gum< sodium alginate < HPMCK15M < olibanum gum. Olibanum gum is a better release retarding polymer than sodium alginate, guar gum, and HPMC for obtaining sustained release over 24 hours.